Early Childhood Teacher – Preschool Program Lead

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Early Childhood Teacher – Preschool Program Lead is responsible for leading a rich, responsive, and inquiry-based preschool program that honours children's ideas, theories, relationships, and ways of knowing. Through intentional teaching, collaborative learning, and meaningful engagement with nature, the ECT will foster an environment where curiosity is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and children develop a strong sense of belonging, wellbeing, and agency. The ECT will lead a team of educators in creating environments that act as the "third teacher," provoke wonder and investigation, and support children to become confident learners, respectful citizens, and thoughtful stewards of their community and environment.

• This is a 3 month fixed term contract to cover an ECT on leave.

• Candidates must be available to work: Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays, 7 hours per day (21 hrs per week).

• We are keen for an immediate start (with some flexibility for the right candidate).

• Pay is in accordance with award rates.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a high-quality preschool program inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia, nature pedagogy, and the Early Years Learning Framework.

• Create learning opportunities that emerge from children's interests, questions, discoveries, and relationships.

• Foster a culture of inquiry where children are encouraged to research, investigate, hypothesise, create, and revisit their thinking. Support children to develop confidence, resilience, independence, and a strong sense of identity as learners.

• Design environments that invite exploration, collaboration, creativity, and deep engagement with materials, ideas, and the natural world.

• Facilitate authentic transition-to-school experiences that recognise and celebrate each child's individual learning journey.

• Lead pedagogical documentation practices that make children's learning visible.

• Champion nature-based learning and sustainability as a core element of the preschool program.

• Provide pedagogical leadership and mentorship to educators within the preschool team.

• Build respectful, reciprocal, and trusting relationships with children and their families, and the community.

• Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and all service policies and procedures.

ABOUT YOU:

Essential requirements:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification (or Diploma qualified Early Childhood Educator working towards your Bachelor of Early Childhood Education qualification)

• Current Teacher Registration (where applicable)

• Current Working with Children / Vulnerable People Check (employee not volunteer)

• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications (or willingness to obtain)

• Sound knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0), National Quality Standard (NQS), and Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations

Required Skills and attributes:

• Demonstrated understanding of child development and contemporary early childhood pedagogy.

• Strong pedagogical leadership and curriculum design skills.

• Excellent observation, documentation, and reflective practice capabilities.

• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills.

• Commitment to inclusion, equity, children's rights, and social justice.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience leading a preschool or kindergarten program within a Long Day Care setting.

• Experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, project work, and pedagogical documentation.

• Knowledge of nature-based learning and sustainability education.

• Experience mentoring educators and leading curriculum development.

ABOUT US:

At Cygnet Community Children's Centre, we believe children are capable, competent, and active participants in their own learning. Guided by the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach and a deep connection to the natural world, we view children, educators, families, and community as partners in the learning journey. Cygnet Community Children's Centre is committed to safeguarding children and maintaining environments where every child feels safe, respected, valued, and heard.

The Cygnet Community Children's Centre is a 68-place purpose-built centre.

We are open between the hours of 7:30am and 6pm weekdays only.

We Offer:

• Pay is in accordance wit the WRP

• Impressive staff wellbeing incentives and rewards program

• Generous staff discount of 50% off the childcare fee gap.

• The opportunity to work within a progressive and forward-thinking organisation where it's all about our children, families and educators.

• A rewarding and empowering workplace, that encourages you to learn and grow with support from dedicated and talented senior professionals.

APPLICATIONS:

We look forward to hearing from you! Please forward your resume and cover letter, along with your relevant qualifications/certificates to *****@cygnetchildcare.org.au

Please only apply for this position if you have the following:

• Working rights in Australia

• Willing to work Part time on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, over a 3 month contract.

• We are in the beautiful Huon Valley - please check our location to make sure the commute is viable for you. Please google map our centre before applying, our address is 18 George Street, Cygnet TASMANIA 7112. 

• You hold the approved qualifications the ECT or you are actively working towards your ECT and currently hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care to work in the Early Childhood Field.

• You are over the age of 18 years old.